Virus Hunting

So the question is; have you intentionally infected your computer with a virus lately?

For most of you the answer will probably be no.  But there is a small number of people in this world who would answer yes.  That's right, there are people out there who intentionally infect themselves, and they do it for fun.  And no, I am not one of them, at least not yet.  But last week, I found out, one of the guys I work with is.

Yep, I work with an amateur virus hunter, and he says, "It's nothing for me to pop my box a couple of times a week."

Before you get too excited, let me explain:
box = computer
popped = intentionally infect yourself with a virus

When I asked him why, he gave the answer of all great science, "I want to see what it will do."

As good an answer, as anyone could ask for.

So being a fool, I asked how exactly one goes about popping his box and if there were any special tools you needed.  Basically, the tools are free, and you just need to be willing to spend a few hours in prep and recovery.

So for any of you who think this might be fun and want to give it a try; here are the basics.

First, use an old computer if possible.  This is one I already knew, but he did mention it.

Second, mirror your drive while it is virus free, or at least you assume, it is virus free.  The mirror is what you will use to restore your computer, after you have "seen what the malware will do."

Last, download and install Wireshark. This is a pretty impressive piece of freeware used for packet capture and analysis across your network.  You will use it to identify how exactly you were infected and to see if the malware is sending any calls back to home.

When your ready, you proceed to hunt down viruses. Our virus hunting expert suggested a web site, but upon sober reflection I have decided not to post it.  The websites warning banner says it all.

This is a site for computer security specialists and enthusiasts, if you don't know what you are doing, leave now.

And that's why I am not a virus hunter.  Still, I intend to do a little light reading and explore this odd little branch of home hobbies.

Who knows, maybe with a little advice and some knowledge, I just might go out hunting.